Understanding Rubber Seals

      

Neoprene

This material is included in a family of synthetic rubbers that are produced by polymerization of chloroprene. This material has good chemical stability and maintains flexibility over a wide range of temperatures. It does not become brittle and hard in the cold or very soft in the heat. The material exhibits a good range of useful properties. Neoprene shows good resistance to sunlight, ozone, oxidization, and water. This material exhibits resistance to moderate chemicals and acids, oils, and solvents, but is not recommended in situations where esters, ketones, and many hydrocarbons are present.

 

EPDM (Ethylene-Propylene-Diene-Monomer)  

EPDM is a synthetic rubber and an elastomer that has the ability to perform in a wide range of applications. This material has outstanding resistance to abrasion, hydraulic fluids, alkalis, heat, ozone, and weather. It is also resistant to polar substances and steam.  This material is not recommended in situations that involve significant gasoline or  other fuel oil, kerosene, propane, or mineral oil.

 

Silicone Rubber

A family of high performance synthetic materials, part mineral and part organic, also known as polysilixane. In the manufacturing process, extrusions may be either solid or foamed with an integral protective skin. This material is capable of being formulated into a wide variety of compounds in varying hardnesses with inherent resistance to harsh environments. Silicone rubber is generally nonreactive, stable, and resistant to extreme environments and temperatures. It does not become brittle and hard in the cold or very soft in the heat. This material has excellent resistance to sunlight, weather, ozone, oxidization, and water and to flame.

 

BIO Silicone Rubber  

BioWall™ antibacterial rubber was created in response to rising hygienic standards and increasing demand for practical, antimicrobial applications in many facilities. Applications range from hospitals, nursing homes and doctors’ offices, to veterinary facilities, to schools. Wherever minimizing microbial exposures is crucial to occupant and visitor well-being, BioWall can help maintain a sanitary work environment.

This revolutionary, non-toxic rubber inhibits and suppresses microbial growth and reproduction. It was formulated using revolutionary, non-toxic infusion technology, combined with proprietary extrusion technology, natural antimicrobial ingredients, and breakthrough synthetics. It provides long-lasting defense against bacteria, fungi, molds and other microorganisms.

Our technology provides natural resistance to abrasion, washing, and exposure to UV radiation and various chemicals. BioWall antibacterial gasketing is designed to withstand surface wear and tear to maintain long-lasting antimicrobial protection.

 

Flexible Vinyl (PVC) 

Flexible PVC is a thermoplastic polymer material that is widely used in the construction industry largely because it is inexpensive and durable. In its standard polymer form, it is only moderately flexible, but with the addition of plasticizers these characteristics can become more prominent. Polyvinyl Chloride only has limited ultraviolet and weather resistance. The material has good chemical resistance to adhesives and most mild cleaning solutions.

 

Eco-Vundefined (Eco-V)  

Eco-V is newer, greener and more environmentally friendly version of PVC Vinyl. It has been tested for a number of harmful chemicals and has low Volatile Organic Compound (VOC) Emissions, to ensure they are safe for indoor environments, especially schools and healthcare facilities. Eco-V complies with UL Listed Green Guard requirements and aids in achieving or exceeding criteria in green building ratings programs, such as LEED and Collaborative High Performance Schools (CHPS).

Additionally, Eco-V surpasses the quality and durability of traditional vinyl gasketing, resulting in a longer service life and less need for replacement.

 

PemkoPrene™ (Thermo-Plastic Elastome -TPE, Thermo-Plastic Rubber-TPR)

A common trade name for  PemkoPrene is “SantoPrene”. This material possesses the same flexibility and durability common to natural rubber compounds. Additionally, PEMKO has selected these materials because of their outstanding resistance to cleaning fluids and disinfectants as well as for their everyday resilience and low impedance to opening or closing requirements on door assemblies.






Trademark Hardware sells a variety of door seals, including rubber seals. We'll break down the different types of rubber seals we offer so that you can make a decision on what works best for you!